Erectile Disorder (ED) is a condition characterised by the inability to sustain an erection or reach ejaculation consistently, which can significantly impact one's quality of life. For many, it starts as "getting hard initially but not lasting very long," the distress it brings can affect relationships, confidence, and overall well-being. If you're facing similar challenges, it's essential to know that you're not alone—and there are ways to address this problem.
Our motivation in therapy is to facilitate your journey in identifying why maintaining an erection is difficult, understand what might be getting in the way of having an enjoyable sexual experience, and find a path toward better sexual health. ED occurs when there is a noticeable decrease in penile stiffness or a significant problem in getting or maintaining an erection. For some who enjoy occasional masturbation and watching pornography but struggle to reach ejaculation, the avoidance of partnered sex can further contribute to feelings of distress.
A Holistic approach to treatment: Because Getting Up Is Only Half the Battle
At TwoOceans Therapeutic Connections, our treatment approach for ED includes comprehensive psychoeducation to explain the causes, effects, and effective strategies for managing this condition. Pharmacological treatments are commonly used and are often the first step in addressing ED. Studies show that combining lifestyle changes with pharmacotherapy can reduce ED risk significantly—by up to 36% (Harte & Meston, 2013). Therefore, we encourage physical activity and healthy eating as essential components of treatment.
We use a holistic approach called the Intersystem Approach, which integrates multiple treatment modalities concurrently (Hertlein et al., 2020). In addition to medical interventions, our plan includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, the Good Enough Sex Model, and Sensate Focus techniques. CBT helps clients identify and replace negative beliefs, thoughts, and behaviours with more positive ones, while mindfulness practices assist in managing emotions and coping more effectively.
Our treatment is rooted in a client-centred model (Rogers, 1951), meaning we view each individual as having an innate ability for growth and fulfilment. As a clinical psychosexual therapist, Merle works with empathy, acceptance, and unconditional positive regard to support clients in their journey to recovery.
If you're ready to explore treatment options for ED and work towards a healthier and more satisfying sexual experience, reach out to TwoOceans Therapeutic Connections.
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